International Needs Australia is a next-generation global social impact organization that empowers marginalized women and children through transformative community partnerships. We focus on sustainable ‘hand-ups’ and foster innovation and scalability to help women and children from diverse backgrounds realise their full potential.

Our Team

Dr. Andrew Catford

chief executive officer

Andrew has extensive experience in the international development sector, having lived and worked for over 20 years in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. He has a proven track record of leading organizations to grow and tangibly impact the lives of vulnerable children, youth, men, and women.

Andrew has worked for non-governmental organizations including Hagar International, World Vision and Build On, and for the consulting company, Hassall GHD, successfully securing and implementing large scale international development projects for a wide variety of donors. Andrew has 10 years’ experience as a Country Director in Senegal and the Solomon Islands, and he has been a Board Member of the Solomon Islands Development Services Exchange and Board Chair of the microfinance institution, Vision Fund. 

Andrew holds a PhD focused on effective community development approaches in Vietnam. He has also been a master’s degree lecturer at RMIT University in Melbourne on project design, monitoring, evaluation and gender, all subjects for which he has a strong passion. 

Jyothi Chintapalli

Finance and Administration Manager

Jyothi is an accomplished finance and database professional and a central member of the INA Finance team who supports all financial systems and donor database management. She supports important finance and compliance functions such as the annual audit and budget processes, DFAT submissions, reviewing project audits and assists in data analysis. Jothi has worked for more than 16 years in roles such as an accomplished Finance Officer, database Administrator and donor coordinator for schools and not for profits. Jothi has double degrees in Science and Engineering (computer science). Jothi is purpose-driven and is a Life Group Leader and Pastoral Care worker in her local church.

Sanva Saephan

International Programs Manager

Sanva leads INA’s International Programs strategy and team. He oversees INA’s relief and development programs across countries in Southern and Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. Sanva is committed to localisation of development planning and implementation and the meaningful partnerships that underpin this. He is the key contact for INA’s engagement with DFAT and the ANCP program and works to align donor support with INA program activity in the countries we serve.

Before joining INA, Sanva worked as a Development Consultant for the World Bank, UNDP, UNDESA, UNFPA, UN Women and the EU with key specialist areas in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), public-private sector collaboration, process engineering, stakeholder engagement and policy reform.

Sanva is a current PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne with his research focusing on quality TVET teachers. Sanva holds a Master of Public Administration in International Development from Tsinghua University and a Double Degree in Bachelor of Accountancy and Economics from Singapore Management University.

Besides other publications, Sanva is the author of “Transition: A Journey in Laos” and “Stateless: Diary of a Spirited Boy at Napho Camp” with the proceeds of the books going towards constructing a vocational training centre for less fortunate females and a much-needed primary school in Laos. His passion in development work saw him being awarded the Asia Development Fellowship (2019).

Bukhosi Masango

Relationships Manager

Bukhosi is a philanthropy professional driven by a commitment to make a positive impact. With experience in both grassroots and large-scale nonprofit organizations on an international scale, he is particularly passionate about education, advocacy, and taking tangible action. Bukhosi’s academic journey, marked by the completion of a Bachelor of International Development Studies and his ongoing pursuit of an LLB at Deakin University, has significantly enriched his life and created positive ripples in the lives of those around him. His unwavering passion is dedicated to contributing to the development of South Africa, a place he holds dear.

Madelyn Hammock

Fundraising Manager

Madelyn joined INA in 2022, realising a dream of harmonising her two passions: inspiring people to take action and aiding those in need. Leveraging her marketing expertise from the corporate realm, where she served as a Marketing and Public Relations Lead in the Health & Science sector, she is driven to empower individuals affected by poverty. As the lead of INA’s marketing and communications team and fundraising programs, Madelyn directs all facets of fundraising campaigns, including communication, graphic design, video production, and web development. 

Ryan Maher

Digital Strategy Officer

I’m Ryan, a Media and Communications graduate with a compelling four-year journey in amplifying and nurturing brand strategy and social media marketing.

In 2021, I had the privilege of serving as a Brand Strategist Intern at Twitter. I worked on key initiatives with brands such as Microsoft, Nintendo, and Apple, and developed brand guidelines for Twitter Communities that were adopted globally.

My passion for making a real impact led me to International Needs Australia in February 2023. I was drawn to the gold-standard accreditations and our shared vision to invest in women and children to create transformation in marginalized communities. Together, we are driving a transformative shift in the Australian non-profit sector, moving from unwieldy top-down organizations to agile, locally-led organizations, poised for scalable community investment.

Kade Berman

Education Officer

Kade leads INA’s strategy to support school students to find purpose within the ActYourPurpose program. After being school captain of Mount Scopus Memorial College (2018), he chose to spend a year volunteering in impoverished communities within Uganda, Tanzania and Cambodia; working with schools, social groups and local charities.

Kade has had experience working with marginalised groups, in and out of Melbourne, and has a passion for harnessing his privilege to help others, trying to always empower youth through community service and education.

Kade is currently studying Advanced Science — Global Challenges (honours) at Monash University. Prior to INA, Kade has worked as a Program Coordinator in a local charity, a VCE English Tutor, and a disability support worker independently and in a high-school setting.

Serene Tan

Finance Accounts Officer

Serene is an accomplished finance professional and a central member of the INA Finance team who supports all financial systems and donor database management. She supports important finance and compliance functions such as the annual audit and budget processes, DFAT submissions, reviewing project audits and assisting in data analysis. Serene has worked for more than 15 years in roles including Finance, Funds Management and Treasury, and Tax and Superannuation Consulting at various financial services companies.

Serene has been a qualified CPA for over 20 years and has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from The University of Adelaide. Serene is purpose-driven and belongs to the Welcome Team at her local church.

Silvia Theodoridis

DONOR AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER

Silvia has over ten years’ work experience in global health and international development, with specific expertise in advocacy, communications, fundraising, project and relationship management. Having travelled extensively and seen first-hand the realities from the field, she is passionate about social justice, human rights and making a difference in people’s lives, especially the most vulnerable.

Silvia has an impressive work history in an international setting, and engaged with a range of stakeholders, including Government officials (Ministers), European/Australian institutions, international/UN organisations, academia, donors, Members of Parliament, NGOs, health professionals, and the general public – to ultimately achieve positive policy and funding changes in the international development sector.

Before joining INA, Silvia was the Policy and Advocacy Manager at Vision 2020 Australia and worked as a fundraiser for Unicef Australia. Prior to that, she spent six years at PATH in Geneva in the role of Advocacy Manager. She also spent four years as European Union Advocacy Officer with the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development in Brussels. Silvia is now a key member of the Donor relations team and the first point of contact for INA’s supporters.

Silvia’s successfully completed a Master of Arts (Public Comparative Law) and Bachelor of Arts (International and European Law) at the University of Paris and is fluent in four languages (French, Greek, English, and Spanish).

Davide De Micheli

Compliance & Programs officer

Davide joined INA in November 2023 as a Programs and Compliance Officer, bringing a wealth of experience from the NGO sector. In this role, Davide oversees the management of INA’s project portfolio and is responsible for drafting and upholding the organization’s policies. Additionally, Davide liaises with relevant staff to ensure the effective implementation of these policies and procedures, including the identification and resolution of issues. A significant part of Davide’s role involves preparing INA for reaccreditation and conducting ACFID self-assessments, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Holding a Master’s Degree in International Cooperation, with a focus on development and emergency contexts, Davide’s previous work experience in South Sudan involved project design, implementation, and program coordination. This experience fostered a strong commitment to initiatives that are locally led, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for the most marginalised communities in South Sudan. With this rich field experience, Davide is well-equipped to apply his knowledge and skills to further INA’s mission and impact.